Urgent Warning Issued After 60-Foot Crack Found in Dam

A flash-flood watch has been issued for parts of Utah after officials discovered a 60-foot-long crack in the Panguitch Lake Dam that risked its integrity.

Officials discovered the crack on Monday, and although the damage doesn't warrant evacuations, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) has declared the situation a Level 2 Emergency, meaning that there is potential for dam failure.

Officials continue to monitor the situation, and if it upgrades to a Level 3, dam failure is imminent. Under a Level 3, evacuations will begin.

"On 4/8/2024 it was discovered that the Panguitch Lake Dam had sustained damage resulting in transverse cracking in the upper portion of the dam. The Garfield County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the local Emergency Management, Panguitch City, and West Panguitch Irrigation Company are currently monitoring the conditions," a GCSO press release said.

"The damage to the dam is not severe enough to warrant immediate evacuations. Emergency personnel are stationed at the dam and will closely monitor the condition. If conditions worsen, emergency notification will be made through all available resources."

In an update statement, the GCSO said that "while there is no immediate threat to public safety, the situation could rapidly evolve."

Newsweek has reached out to GCSO by email for comment.

On Tuesday night, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued an urgent flood watch alert because of the damage.

"A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for the potential failure of Panguitch Lake Dam in southern Utah," the office posted on X, formerly Twitter. "Affected areas include low-lying areas along Panguitch Creek. Stay informed, familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, and ensure your emergency kits are ready."

The watch is in place for Brian Head, Alton, Koosharem, Circleville and Panguitch. The NWS report said it will remain in place until further notice.

"Dam failure may result in flash flooding of low-lying areas below the dam," the report said.

The GCSO has limited access to Panguitch Lake and Highway 143. The Utah Department of Natural Resources said that officials are "releasing water from the reservoir to draw the level down as a risk mitigation measure."

The crack was identified after Utah dams received a C+ grade from the Utah Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2020. The grade implies that Utah infrastructure was "mediocre" and needed attention, according to a report by ABC 4.

The GCSO urged people in the impacted areas to stay informed, familiarize themselves with evacuation routes, ensure their emergency kits including food, water, prescriptions and important documents are ready, and inform friends and family residing in the evacuation area of the situation. If evacuations are necessary, residents should proceed east toward Hatch, Utah.